2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Preview

Ford’s purpose-built off-roading pickup, the F-150 SVT Raptor, is back for another year and has a slew of new updates to keep it fresh.

Developed using experience gained from competing in the Baja 1000 desert race series, the F-150 SVT Raptor is a favorite here at Motor Authority and the latest 2013 model simply improves on the formula.

The biggest update is the availability of new beadlock wheels, helping to improve the Raptor’s performance in soft sand and other challenging conditions.

Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it’s aired down to very low pressure. The Raptor’s wheels are unique because converting from conventional rim to beadlock only requires owners to unbolt the standard outer decorative ring, dismount the tire from its regular position and then remount the tire in the lock-enabled position using a special kit--an industry first, according to Ford.

Beyond the wheels, the 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor also gets a host of new technology features including the latest version of Ford’s SYNC interface system and a 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the MyFord connectivity feature. For extra connectivity, the MyFord system can be upgraded to the MyFord Touch setup, which uses an additional 8-inch center stack touch screen with five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel. Other available technologies include a voice-activated navigation system, a rear-view camera and HID headlights.

Inside, the Raptor features a mixture of leather and cloth trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-lined steering wheel with thumb pads. A Luxury Package is also available, adding numerous extras.

For its exterior, the Raptor can be ordered in Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White and a new desert camouflage-inspired Terrain exterior being introduced for 2013. The Raptor also continues as either a two-door SuperCab or four-door SuperCrew model.

All the best Raptor features are still there as well, including all-terrain tires, internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox dampers, skid plates, electronic Hill Descent Control, a Torsen limited-slip differential for the all-wheel drive system, and a 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with pseudo manual control and the all-wheel drive system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

For 2013, Ford is also reintroducing its F-150 Limited model. The luxury-oriented pickup is powered exclusively by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine rated at 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, and comes with a host of premium features all as standard. This includes 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, full-grain leather trim, aluminum and piano black accents, and the SYNC, MyFord Touch and navigation technology suite. This model is available exclusively with the SuperCrew four-door cab configuration.